The European Union provided Ukraine with long-term security commitments in Brussels on Thursday. The agreement aims to help Ukraine defend itself, counter destabilization efforts, and prevent future attacks. It includes promises of economic, military, and industrial support as well as assistance with energy transition and nuclear power safety. Additionally, the parties will share intelligence and satellite images.
The EU and its member states pledged to expedite and enhance the delivery of all necessary military aid to Ukraine. The annual budget of the Ukraine aid fund within the European Peace Fund for this year is five billion euros, with the possibility of additional investments until 2027. This additional capitalization will consider the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the advice of the Council of Member States.
Furthermore, the EU committed to continuing its training support for the Ukrainian Defense Forces. The agreement emphasizes that EU enlargement is seen as a “geostrategic investment” in peace and security, and pledges ongoing support for Ukraine’s membership efforts. Ukraine agreed to intensify its reform efforts, particularly in strengthening the rule of law.
President Zelenskyi expressed satisfaction that membership negotiations between the EU and Ukraine have finally begun upon arriving at the meeting. He also expressed gratitude for recent decisions made by G7 countries concerning frozen Russian funds that will be used to repay a loan taken out to support the war in Ukraine. Zelenskyi voiced concerns about potential loosening of sanctions on Russian oligarchs and stressed